Effects of darbepoetin alfa administered every two weeks on hemoglobin and quality of life of patients receiving chemotherapy.

PURPOSE/OBJECTIVES To review the effects on hemoglobin and quality of life of an every-two-week (Q2W) regimen of the erythropoietic agent darbepoetin alfa for treating patients with chemotherapy-induced anemia. DATA SOURCES Published articles and abstracts. DATA SYNTHESIS Darbepoetin alfa Q2W increases hemoglobin in patients with chemotherapy-associated anemia and is well tolerated. Increased hemoglobin is associated with improvements in fatigue and energy level. A starting dose of darbepoetin alfa 3.0 mcg/kg (approximately 200 mcg for an average 70 kg patient) Q2W produces a similar level of response to recombinant human erythropoietin. CONCLUSIONS Darbepoetin alfa effectively treats chemotherapy associated anemia with fewer clinic visits and fewer injections than are required with conventional erythropoietic therapy. IMPLICATIONS FOR NURSING The less-frequent dosing schedule of darbepoetin alfa can simplify anemia management for nurses and other clinic staff, and it offers patients greater freedom in their day-to-day activities, less dependence on caregivers, and less injection-associated discomfort.